As Michigan State and the nation observe the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Morrill Act, which democratized higher education, we reflect on MSU’s history and destiny in working for the common good.

From the mid-nineteenth century when Michigan State opened its doors to educate those who would go on to build the nation to its role today as one of the world’s top research universities, MSU has changed lives and helped change the world. Through the years, the university and its campus also have been transformed.

Photo Gallery

A glimpse of the MSU campus—then and now:

Archival photos courtesy of University Archives and Historical Collections